Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman visited the United World College of South East Asia during her trip to Singapore March 10-11. Here, she spoke with a group of 11th-graders at the school. The trip, which represented the first visit to that country by a sitting president in the history of the University, also included meetings with education leaders and government officials as well as alumni, parents and other friends of Princeton living in the region.

Below: Tilghman led a session with the entire 11th-grade class and school leaders at the United World College of South East Asia.

Photos: Joseph Tan, United World College of South East Asia, Singapore

Web Stories

Tilghman meeting with education and government leaders in Asia

Posted March 11, 2008; 01:26 p.m.

by Staff

Princeton President Shirley M. Tilghman has embarked on a weeklong trip to Asia to learn more about the future of the region.

Her stop in Singapore on Monday and Tuesday, March 10-11, was the first visit to that country by a sitting president in the history of the University.

Tilghman was scheduled to have a private meeting with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew to explore his views on the future of Singapore and its role in the world. She also met with senior government and education officials at National University of Singapore. Officials scheduled to attend the meeting were: Shih Choon Fung, president of National University of Singapore and founding president of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Tan Chorh Chuan, incoming president of National University of Singapore; and Tan Ching Yee, permanent secretary to the minister of education.

In addition, Tilghman visited Singapore's state-of-the-art biomedical research center, Biopolis, where she met with leaders of A*Star, Singapore's governmental agency for science, technology and research. At the United World College of South East Asia, Tilghman spoke with principals and students.

Tilghman completed her visit to Singapore by hosting an event at the Four Seasons Hotel for Princeton alumni, parents of current Princeton students and other friends of Princeton living in the region. Singapore government ministers and university presidents were guests.

Tilghman's visit marks her first time in Singapore. She previously has traveled to other countries in Asia as president of the University and as a member of a senior-level scientific delegation.

After departing Singapore, Tilghman will travel to Shanghai March 12-13. She will conclude her trip to Asia in Hong Kong March 13-16.